This document summarizes a study on child participation in Eastern Africa. It provides an overview of the study's methodology, scope, findings, and recommendations. The study examined laws, policies, and initiatives related to child participation in 8 countries. It found that while child participation is acknowledged, implementation varies and efforts are not well-coordinated. Barriers include cultural attitudes, lack of resources and skills, and weak monitoring. The study recommends a strategic framework to guide systematic and inclusive child participation practices across sectors in the region.
Study on Child Participation in Eastern Africa - Overview
1. Learning Event on Child Participation and Gender in Eastern
Africa
3 – 5 November 2015
Entebbe, Uganda
“Study on Child Participation in Eastern Africa -
Overview”
By Dr. Nkatha Murungi
Head, Children and the Law Programme
2. Summary of presentation
Introduction and back ground to the Study
Methodology of the Study
Scope and limitations of the Study
Normative standards for child participation
Findings of the Study
Conclusions and recommendations of the Study
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3. Introduction and background
Context - Child participation as a right
Child participation in governance of children’s rights
The need for a coordinated approach to child
participation, especially in CRG mechanisms
Purpose– to identify child participation mechanisms,
platforms, good practices, challenges, and actors in
Eastern Africa
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4. Methodology continued
Analysis of secondary literature
Primary data collection
Validation of findings with the key stakeholders in
the region
Validation of revised version with reference group
Technical review and finalization
Dissemination
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5. Scope and limitations of the Study
Scope
Geographic scope – 8 countries, that is Ethiopia,
Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia {including Somali land},
Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Content – Child participation norms and practices
Limitations / challenges
Primary data from all the countries
Children’s actual participation during the validation
Availability of information from some of the countries
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6. Normative standards on child participation
Convention on the Rights of the Child
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the
Child
CRC General Comment No. 12
What is meaningful child participation?
Principles
Levels
Platforms
Outcomes
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7. Key findings of the study - General
Child participation is generally acknowledged in the law and
policy, and at national and regional levels
The approach to implementation vary from country to country
There are institutions (departments, ministries or agencies)
established to address child rights generally
There are differences in the understanding of child
participation across the countries, and from one stakeholder
to another
Child participation initiatives, even those in the same country,
are not coordinated
Measure to ensure the participation of vulnerable groups are
limited and not systematic or integrated
Most of the current child participation initiatives are CSO
initiated, led or supported
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8. Findings of the Study – challenges
Cultural, traditional, social and religious attitudes
towards the participation of children
Misconception of children’s rights to participation
Lack of long-term resources to support institutional
mechanisms
Lack of a systematic approach to child
participation
Lack of knowledge and skills in good practices
Weak implementation structures
Limited monitoring and evaluation of child
participation programmes
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9. Factors in country specific assessments
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Institutions
Laws and
Policies
Child
participation
initiatives
10. Recommendations
Sector specific recommendations i.e. Government,
NGOs and CSOs, and communities
Primary responsibility is the governments’, but there is
need for support from other stakeholders
Selected recommendations
Legislative and policy reform to allow child participation
Development of a national agenda for child participation
Development of tools to monitor and evaluate child
participation initiatives in the country
Establishment of frameworks to facilitate child
participation efforts across sectors
Purposively and systematically ensure participation of
vulnerable children and children with ‘special’ needs
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11. Resulting Strategy
Child Participation Strategy for Eastern Africa
Rationale:
Need for purposive and concrete measures beyond
mere recognition
Reflecting existing practices and gaps
Provide countries and stakeholders with broad
framework and strategic guidance
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12. Child participation strategy
Principles underpinning the Strategy:
• Transparency and honesty
• Relevance
• Safety
• Non- discrimination
• Early involvement
• Voluntary involvement
• Best interest of the child
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13. Conceptual Framework for Effective CP
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MEANINGFUL CHILD
PARTICIPATION
AWARENESS CREATION
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
GUIDELINES AND
STANDARDS
INSTITUTIONAL
FRAMEWORKS
ADEQUATE RESOURCE
ALLOCATION
14. Strategies for child participation
1. Domestication of international and regional standards
2. Adopting measures to ensure child participation is
deliberate, systematic and accountable
3. Ensuring inclusion of marginalized groups of children in
child participation mechanisms though targeted measures
4. Ensuring safety and protection of participating children
5. Reducing negative attitudes and beliefs on child
participation and promoting positive cultures, practices and
beliefs
6. Systematic child participation data collection and
evaluation to inform future initiatives
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